When is the next regular National Council Session?
The 2026 Girl Scout Convention is scheduled for July 20-25, 2026, in Washington, D.C. in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA. The 58th National Council Session (NCS) is the national business meeting being held during the convention, in which delegates from every council across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas meet to discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement, and elect members of the National Board of Directors and National Board Development Committee.
What is the role of a National Council Delegate?
A National Council Delegate is elected by the council as a voting member/delegate to the National Council, which is the voting body whose responsibilities are outlined in GSUSA’s Blue Book of Basic Documents as follows:
“The National Council at its sessions shall hold elections, amend the Constitution, establish requirements for credentials, and shall determine the general lines of policy of the Girl Scout Movement and program by considering and acting upon proposals directed toward the fostering and improvement of Girl Scouting, by receiving and acting upon reports of its National Board of Directors, and by giving guidance to the National Board upon general lines of direction of the Movement and program.”
If elected by the voting members of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, the National Council Delegate or Alternate must agree to the following criteria:
- Be committed to serving a three-year term: April 2025-April 2028.
- Be a current registered member of GSUSA for the 2024 membership year and maintain membership for the entire three-year term.
- Be available to attend the entire National Council Session, which will be held in Washington, DC, July 20-25, 2026, and attend all business meetings and participate in discussions and vote on all business items.
- Be able to think strategically and able to analyze issues from a national as well as council perspective to focus on the future of the Girl Scout Movement. National Council actions and decisions have Movement-wide implications.
- Be committed to attending council and GSUSA training sessions in order to be as informed as possible about the issues and democratic process used at the National Council Session or any special sessions of the National Council.
- Be responsible for engaging in National Council governance matters and meetings throughout the three-year term and faithfully participating as a voice for GSWO’s membership in giving guidance to the National Board to help shape the Movement strategy.
- Be willing to support all the decisions of the National Council.
What age do you have to be?
Applications are available for current adult members and girl members ages 14-17 (must be 14 years old by April 1, 2025).
How do I apply to become a National Council Delegate or Alternate?
To be considered by the Board Development Committee, adults can apply here and girls 14-17 (must be 14 years old as of April 1, 2025) can apply here. Applications must be completed by September 30, 2024.
Elections will take place in March 2025, and the term will begin at the GSWO Annual Council Meeting in April 2025.
What is the cost to be a National Council Delegate or Alternate?
The following costs for elected National Council Delegates and a limited number of Alternates attending the National Convention will be paid for by Girl Scouts of Western Ohio:
- Registration fee
- Hotel accommodations during the convention (shared room)
- Airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
- Shuttle fare to and from the airport
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View the National Council Session Information Webinar
On September 5, 2024, current NCS Delegates shared their experiences from the 2023 NCS in Orlando, FL, details about the application process, and more. Watch the recording for a deeper dive into what the NCS is all about.
